Best Places to Shop in Little Haiti

The spirit of the Haitian people thrives in Little Haiti, one of Greater Miami & Miami Beach’s most dynamic neighborhoods. It’s constantly changing, and over the past few years, it has become a hot place for new and creative endeavors. But Little Haiti remains a hidden gem with some of the most unique shopping in the destination. You’ll find boutiques ranging from furniture stores to fabric shops and much more.

A Caribbean Market Experience in Miami

Strolling through the Mache Ayisyen – or Caribbean Marketplace – feels like walking through the bustling streets of a Caribbean capital, where joyful sounds are the backdrop to a sea of food makers and artisans. Every Friday from 5-10 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., you can sample Haitian cuisine you won’t find in restaurants and peruse the colorful artwork and one-of-a-kind clothing. You’ll find live music playing most of the day. It's one of the most vibrant experiences in Miami.

Explore Haitian History at a Unique Bookstore

If you want to learn about Haiti’s fascinating history, stop by Libreri Mapou, a little pink bookstore along Northeast 2nd Avenue. It’s the creation of Haitian-born poet and activist Jean-Marie “Jan Mapou” Denis, who began the shop as a stall in the Caribbean Marketplace. Today, his bookstore is a treasure trove of Haitian history and literature, hosting regular cultural events and selling books in English, French and Kreyol.

Rare Vinyl Records & Live Bands

The independent record store is alive and well in Little Haiti, where Sweat Records keeps the creative spirit of music going with aisles of vinyl and cassettes. It’s Miami’s epicenter for music lovers, showcasing live local bands and selling hard-to-find records. It’s a cool place to shop for eccentric merchandise and learn about music you might not otherwise discover. The shop also buys vintage vinyl.

The Best Vintage Shopping Around

Vintage stores don’t get much better than Mids Market, where discerning shoppers carefully pore over donated items to find the most fashionable and unique. The shop hosts independent local designers and other artisans as part of its vendor program, so you may wander in and find the kind of stuff you’d also discover at the Caribbean Marketplace. If you have some stylish clothes you’re getting rid of that are still in good shape, bring them in and you may get store credit in return.

Creative Jewelry That Will Make You Stand Out

Éliou isn’t a jewelry store in the traditional sense. You won’t find giant diamonds or expensive watches inside. What you will find are unusual, crafted pieces from designers Cristina Mantilla and Duda Texiera, who combine color and creativity to craft unique jewelry. Éliou also has collections of tropical-inspired clothes for men and women as well as hats, key chains and bags.

Miami’s Best-Kept Secret for Special Fabrics

Want a suit or outfit made from fabric nobody else has? Start your journey at Bortan Fabrics, widely regarded as having the best selection of fabrics in Miami. It’s a low-key secret for local tailors; you’ll find many of them in the shop conversing with the convivial owner. The shop doesn’t make clothes, but if you’re looking for a cool, one-of-a-kind fabric to inspire a fashion project, this is the place to find it.

The Place to Go for That New Kitchen or Closet

For new closets and cabinets, Arkimodel makes custom cabinetry and has a showroom where you can look over its minimalist-modern designs and get inspiration for your home improvement projects. Arkimodel also designs kitchens and full interiors and sells indoor blinds.

Taste Authentic Haitian & Caribbean Cuisine

Since you’re already in Little Haiti, try some of the neighborhood’s best restaurants. Haitian food will obviously be on your agenda, so make your first stop at Le Jardin. It’s an ideal spot to try typical dishes like griot, mais poisson, chicken stew and tassot kabrit. Cecibon gives you a broader taste of the Caribbean, with dishes ranging from jerk chicken to traditional plantains. 

Clive’s Café is a beloved Jamaican institution serving oxtail, curry goat, jerk chicken, conch cooked several ways and much more. For vegan and vegetarian food, stop into The Plantisserie, a deli and bakery with all plant-based foods. Sunny’s, in the nearby Little River area, is an indoor-outdoor restaurant serving prime steaks, pasta, seafood and a long list of cocktails and wine.

Discover the best of Little Haiti with our in-depth guide.